Bp Corporation North America Inc.

Christopher G Meller

David L Sikkenga

Allen B Mossman

Kenneth J Abrams

Frank G Belmonte

Dale A Figgins

Olusola Sunday Ogundiran

Linus Kai-Wah Leung

Carolyn E Schmit

A process for oxidation with oxygen of at least one aromatic hydrocarbon having oxidizable, substituents that maximizes the utilization of oxygen without reduction in the quality of the carboxylic acid products produced by means of a stagewise countercurrent oxidation system is disclosed.

Staged countercurrent oxidation

A process is disclosed for producing at least one high purity aromatic carboxylic acid by oxidizing an aromatic feedstock with oxygen in a reaction medium comprising the aromatic feedstock, a promoter, a heavy metal catalyst, and a solvent which comprises benzoic acid and water to produce a reactor effluent wherein substantially all of the aromatic carboxylic acid produced remains in solution; and then hydrogenating the reactor effluent in the presence of a catalyst and hydrogen. This process efficiently and effectively produces high purity aromatic carboxylic acids by utilizing a common solvent for both oxidation and purification and eliminating the need for intermediate process steps and equipment.

Process for the production of high purity aromatic carboxylic acids using a benzoic acid and water solvent for oxidation and purification

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Carol Stream, IL, United States of America

Christopher G Meller